How can I apply the multiple intelligences theory in my English language classes?

Depending on your age group you could do a variety of things. I’ve done the following.

1.Discuss with them the type of projects or assigments they like to do and at which they are successful.

2. Discuss with them the theory of multiple intelligences.

3. Have them predict what type(s) they have based on their discussion of #1.

4. Give them the test (available online).

5. Discuss the results in relation to their predictions.

6. Have them design ( to whatever degree their age level indicates) an assigment or project for one of your English

topics to fit in with one of the intelligences.

7. Tweak and use their ideas so they know that this was meaningful !

Howard Gardner is the author of many books and considered the authority on MI (multiple intelligences). I find that there are many good surveys that you can give to students that help you determine the types of learners they are. You can also make up your own although some of the ones you find in books tend to have them categorized for you and that makes life simpler.

Surveys are an activity that can be built into your first week’s lesson plans. This will help you categorize the different ways your students learn – (this is the list of the different intelligences) verbal /linguistic, visual /spatial, bodily/kinestic (body movement), logical/ mathematical, interpersonal (communication between two or more), intrapersonal (self communication), musical /rhythmic, and naturalist (also considered to include street smarts).

Once you have established what kind of learners you have (and believe me you want to cultivate all of these types within each student) you can establish what you want to do in your classroom to promote them and help all of your learners.

There are lots of good books out there but a few that I have found helpful are: Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom, Carol Ann Tomlinson; How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed Ability Classrooms, Tomlinson; Differentiating Instruction in the Regular Classroom, Diane Heacox; and Instruction for all Students, Paula Rutherford.

Instruction for all Students is especially good for what you are asking because it walks you through lesson and unit design with these thoughts in mind. It also has tons of printable sheets to work with. Pg. 120-121 has a breakdown of strategies by intelligences. For example, under intrapersonal it includes journals, personal reactions to topic, independent projects, self evaluation, visualtization, self discovery, create own classwork schedule and environment, relate topic to real life, relfection periods and goal setting. (so you can see why I can’t list for all of the areas here). It also shows what that would look like through example. I think you will find this book especially helpful.

I think you would be better off focusing on learning styles. Then you could present information in all four styles. You can find information online that is researched based, without going to a lot of trouble with extra testing.